A flowering plant in the amaranthus family, quinoa is a pseudograin that is grown for it seeds.  After harvest, the seeds are processed to remove the bitter-tasting outer seed coat. Versatile for many dishes, cooked quinoa supplies nutrient content similar to wheat and rice, such as moderate amounts of protein, dietary fiber, and minerals. Quinoa is gluten-free.  Quinoa originated in the Andes mountains of northwestern South America.